Inclusiv Participates in IEDC Economic Recovery Corps Host and Fellow Retreat
Earlier this week, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) held its Economic Recovery Corps Host and Fellow Retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dozens of fellows and hosts traveled to the island for a week of learning, experience-sharing, best practices, and site visits.
Inclusiv is proud to be a host organization, working with Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow Ana María Cintrón—who served as the event's keynote speaker—to identify and address gaps in access to capital for small businesses on the island.
As part of the event, Inclusiv's Vice President for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, René Vargas Martínez, delivered welcoming remarks and participated in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dell Gines. The panel also featured Denisse Rodríguez from Colmena 66, John Bozek from InvestPR, Luis Manuel Monterrubio from IEM, and Josefa Torres Olivo from RCAP.
During the retreat, we welcomed members of the Economic Recovery Corps to the Gautier branch of Caguas Coop, an Inclusiv member and CDFI. During the visit, Caguas Coop’s Executive President, Ramón Adorno, greeted the visitors and introduced them to the space. Franco Jiménez, Puerto Rico Network Program Officer, then led a discussion on the credit union movement in Puerto Rico, its impact on members, and the history and role of Community Development Credit Unions in their communities. The discussion also covered the broader cooperative model and its significance for the island.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with IEDC to expand access to capital in Puerto Rico.